[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 32 (Thursday, March 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE NATIONAL SECURITY COMMITTEE'S INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN 
                              THE MILITARY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TILLIE FOWLER

                               of florida

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 13, 1997

  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, my colleague, Ms. Harman, and I appreciate 
the opportunity to apprise our colleagues about the ongoing 
congressional efforts to investigate the serious allegations of sexual 
misconduct that have been made in our Armed Forces.
  As our colleagues know, the House National Security Committee, of 
which we are members, is the committee with primary responsibility over 
the Department of Defense, particularly with regard to policy issues. 
It has been tasked by Speaker Gingrich to fully investigate the issue 
of sexual misconduct in the military services. Committee chairman Floyd 
Spence has asked our colleague Steve Buyer, chairman of the Personnel 
Subcommittee, and ourselves, the two most senior women on the 
committee, to lead the committee's efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, we take seriously both the allegations of sexual 
misconduct and the allegations raised this week of possible 
investigative misconduct. Let us point out that the committee's focus 
is not on integrated basic training, not gender neutral performance 
standards, and not women in combat. Our focus is on sexual misconduct.
  The committee's schedule of activities is designed to provide members 
with an independent basis with which to evaluate the Army Senior Task 
Force Report on sexual misconduct, due in mid June, and other testimony 
it will receive, while not interfering with ongoing criminal 
investigations and prosecutions.
  More importantly, the committee's work will examine each of the 
military services, not just the Army.
  During the course of the investigation, the committee will focus on 
the extent to which the guidelines and systems to protect against 
harassment and sexual misconduct have failed; whether the Army and the 
other branches of the Armed Forces can institute sufficient safeguards 
to protect against future misconduct or whether extraordinary avenues 
must be created to address allegations of sexual misconduct; the degree 
to which broad discretion as exercised in the chain of command 
contributes to a lack of faith in the military justice system; and as a 
result of the allegations raised Wednesday, whether investigative 
practices have led to inappropriate pressure if not coercion of 
individuals to make false allegations or to make admissions in 
violation of due process and fifth amendment rights against self-
incrimination.
  To date, we have not reached the conclusion that an investigation 
independent of the Army of the Department or Defense is necessary. We 
are concerned that an independent investigation may jeopardize planned 
criminal prosecutions.
  Mr. Speaker, our Armed Forces have a proud history. They led the 
Nation in racial integration. We believe they fully appreciate what is 
at stake with these allegations and will respond to ensure that both 
women and men are respected as individuals and for the contribution 
each brings to making our military the best fighting force possible.
  We look forward to providing progress reports to our colleagues on 
the committee's investigation of this important subject.